Click @ GMS

Click @ GMS tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z Movable Type 3.34 Message from our Principal tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.170 2008-11-11T11:32:00Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

Mr J Graham Welcome to our first edition of Click@GMS for the school year 2008-2009. This is our eighth online issue and, as usual, it is packed with news and information about life at the Girls’ Model. I hope...

The Editor

Mr J Graham

Welcome to our first edition of Click@GMS for the school year 2008-2009. This is our eighth online issue and, as usual, it is packed with news and information about life at the Girls’ Model. I hope that you enjoy reading the various articles and that you capture a flavour of what life is like in a busy school like ours. I thank Mrs Natalie Clarke and her team of 6th Form students for their hard work in producing the emagazine and all staff and students for a very successful start to the 2008-2009 school year including our great achievement in being awarded the joint Winner of the Best Whole School Northern Ireland in the use of ICT at the Becta ICT Award Ceremony in Sheffield. There will be more about this in the next edition of Click@GMS. ]]> Sports News tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.161 2008-11-10T14:54:00Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

The Editor Nigel goes back to School

Alfie Wylie, Nigel and Mrs Sutherland.jpg

Alfie Wylie and Nigel Worthingdon during the Q & A session

On the 15th September 2008 Nigel Worthington and Alfie Wylie came to the Girls Model for a questions and answers session. Nigel Worthington is the well known manager of the Northern Ireland football team. He was born and raised in Ballymena with his older brother who encouraged his interest in football. It was not until he played for the Ballymena under 15s’ football club that he discovered his passion for football. Alfie Wylie is the head of the Women’s Football Association (NIWFA) and also works with the Irish Football Association (IFA). He mainly works with women however; he has experience training with men’s teams such as Linfield Football club. The session was open to girls from all years; it was attended by the school football team and other girls with an interest in sports. The questions to both were mainly about how they had got into football and what qualifications they needed to get there. They were asked how men and women’s football compared; both said that there was little difference between them. As a member of the school football team I gained a lot from this experience. We had the opportunity to ask what would be required to successfully get into the sports industry. As a result I now have a better knowledge and understanding of jobs related to sports. I also learnt more about women’s football, and how it is becoming increasingly popular and better recognised. At the end of the session both Nigel and Alfie made time to sign autographs for everyone. I found the experience to be extremely rewarding and informative.

Alfie Wylie, Mrs Mairs and Nigel Worthington.jpg

Alfie Wylie, Mrs Mairs, Nigel Worthington and GMS Pupils

Alfie Wylie, Mr Graham and Nigel Worthington.jpg

Alfie Wylie, Nigel Worthington and a starstruck Mr Graham

]]> Youth in Government tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.175 2008-11-10T14:14:03Z 2008-11-12T14:31:56Z

Model Girls aiming for Westminster! Youth in Government is a government funded scheme that allows young people from different cultural backgrounds to join together to discuss and debate on current political topics. Some of the things we have discussed so...

Pupil Reporter Model Girls aiming for Westminster! Youth in Government is a government funded scheme that allows young people from different cultural backgrounds to join together to discuss and debate on current political topics. Some of the things we have discussed so far have been culture and identity. Youth in Government organises day trips to the Dail in Dublin and Stormont along with weekend residentials to London and Londonderry. It also involves portfolio work in order to achieve an OCN qualification in Youth in Government. The portfolio work is just worksheets we complete each week based on what we have talked about at that meeting. The Youth in Government programme is a great way to meet new people from different backgrounds to our own, the debates are fun and so are the leaders so each meeting is always a good laugh! ]]> 2008/2009 Editiorial Team tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.174 2008-11-10T14:08:13Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

Budding Model Reporters! 2008/2009 Editorial Team This year there will be a new editorial team in town! For the year 2008/2009 the reins have been returned back to Mrs Clarke! The team will consist of Cherry Bisson, Elizabeth Mawhinney,...

The Editor Budding Model Reporters!

2008/2009 Editorial Team

This year there will be a new editorial team in town! For the year 2008/2009 the reins have been returned back to Mrs Clarke! The team will consist of Cherry Bisson, Elizabeth Mawhinney, Amanda Corr, Chelsey Ann Hamilton, Klaudia Bojda and Erin-Katie Strapp. This year, it will be even more jam packed with interesting accounts of school news. We will be producing the end of year Reflections magazine alongside four editions of Click. Our team will be looking forward to developing our social and editorial skills, as well as having a great experience, lots of fun antics, and will be just darn amazing! ]]> New Arrivals tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.157 2008-11-09T10:01:22Z 2008-12-03T13:46:36Z

Congratulations Freddy McTernaghan Big congratulations to Mrs McTernaghan on the birth of her second child, a little boy this time, Freddie. He arrived into this world in the early hours of Thursday 25th September 2008, weighing a sweet 8lb...

The Editor Congratulations

Freddy McTernaghan

Big congratulations to Mrs McTernaghan on the birth of her second child, a little boy this time, Freddie. He arrived into this world in the early hours of Thursday 25th September 2008, weighing a sweet 8lb 5oz. Mrs McTernaghan is getting used to all things blue and his big sister Martha is very much enjoying helping mummy look after her new little bro!! By Mrs Campbell

Marcus Watson

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Watson on the birth of their gorgeous baby boy, Marcus William Watson. Weighing 7lb 4oz Marcus arrived on the 10th July 2008 and he has been keeping mummy and daddy on their toes while they learn their roles as parents. Both Mum and baby are doing great. By Mrs Crawford

Sam Graham

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Graham on the birth of the first child, a little baby boy called Sam William Graham. He was born 26th October weighing 7lbs 7oz. Both are doing really well. By Mrs Ashe

Evie Warrick

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Warrick on the birth of their gorgeous baby girl. Evie Warrick was born on 5th November weighing 6lbs 6oz. Mummy and daughter are doing great. By Miss Mateer]]> Year 8 Residentials tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.156 2008-11-08T09:53:37Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

8NC 8NC at Castlewellan On the 2nd October, our form class went to Castlewellan and it was so fun. It took an hour to arrive to Castlewellan. When we got there we unpacked our suitcases and went downstairs. We made...

The Editor

8NC at Castlewellan

On the 2nd October, our form class went to Castlewellan and it was so fun. It took an hour to arrive to Castlewellan. When we got there we unpacked our suitcases and went downstairs. We made posters and we were divided into teams. We then went to the shops and bought sweets for a movie. We got changed into sensible clothes and shoes and we went for a walk and did the maze. My team came last because it was hard and took a long time. We then went back to the castle. We had dinner and some spare time. After dinner we went on a really scary walk around the lake, we used torches as it was really dark. We came home and watched School of Rock (so cool!!!) and it was so funny, we ate all our sweets and went to bed.

8NC in the Maze

We woke up and got our cases packed and went for breakfast. We went for a walk around the flower garden and fed the ducks and went to the Castle. Then we got everything gathered together and onto the bus and headed home. By Naomi Mills 8PY

8PY at Castlewellan

8PY went to Castlewellan for a residential on Tuesday 23rd September. It took about an hour and a half to get there by bus. First we got out our suitcases and went into the lounge and we picked our room mates. Then we had to think of a team name and design a poster. Then we had our lunch and went to see a maze, which was really funny as I got lost twice and everyone had to try and help me out. After that we came home and had our dinner, it was lovely. Then we went to the garden and did some team games and a jigsaw puzzle. Then we did a stepping stone game and a spider web game and we had to get every member of the team through the spider’s web without touching the string. So, we had some people go through the bottom and we lifted some through the top. After, we got our torches and went for a walk around the lake. Then we stopped and sang some songs and then we headed back home. When we got back we went to the ice cream parlour, it had all sorts of things, and it even had pens and pencils! I decided to get some ice cream and presents for my family. After we ate out ice cream we watched the Pacifier, it was really good! After the movie we all went to bed. In the morning we got changed and packed our bags. Before we left we went for a walk as it was a lovely morning. Then it was time to go home, we got on the bus and went back to school. When we arrived at school we were allowed to go home. By Ruthie Caldwell ]]> Spanish Culture Facts tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.155 2008-11-07T09:46:57Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

Calling Chicas Espanolas are you Spanish Savvy??? Food The tapa tradition is as important for the conversation and company as for the delicious food. Every Spaniard has his favourite tasca, as the tapas bars are often called, where he...

The Editor Calling Chicas Espanolas are you Spanish Savvy??? Food The tapa tradition is as important for the conversation and company as for the delicious food. Every Spaniard has his favourite tasca, as the tapas bars are often called, where he goes regularly to meet his friends or business acquaintances. Tapas can be found in even the smallest bar in a tiny village. The word tapa, meaning cover or lid, is thought to have originally referred to the free plate of appetizers that many tascas would put like a lid on over wine glasses. Tapas can vary from simple to complex and include cheese, fish, eggs, vegetable dishes, dips, canapés, and savoury pastries. A quantity of tapas can make an excellent meal. La Tasca is a tapas restaurant in the Odyssey Belfast. Fiestas – festivals La tomatina The sunny Mediterranean city of Valencia in Spain is world-renowned for its tasty and succulent oranges. And just thirty miles away is Buñol, another town just as famous for its produce. But its notoriety comes from the locals' habit of wearing the produce as well as tasting it: every year, Buñol hosts La Tomatina, the world's largest vegetable fight. Situated only 30 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean Sea, and well-connected by motorway and rail to Madrid and Valencia, this charming town erupts into a fiery blaze of tomato-hurling on the last Wednesday of every August. The "batalla" takes place during a week-long celebration filled with on-going festivities. Without question it’s the biggest tomato fight in the world

The "batalla"

The Biggest Tomato Fight in the World!

La Tomatina takes place on August 25 (this date can change every year) For more information visit www.donquijote.org/culture]]> New School Update... tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.154 2008-11-06T12:49:18Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

The “NEW” Girls Model School It is hard to believe when you see how much of the building has already been constructed, that Farrans construction only started work back in April. They were lucky with the weather and were...

The Editor The “NEW” Girls Model School It is hard to believe when you see how much of the building has already been constructed, that Farrans construction only started work back in April. They were lucky with the weather and were able to get much of the excavations done when the ground was dry. They now have a roof over their heads to save them from the floods!!

Of all the five schools being constructed, ours is the fastest to be built. This is because the builders can get on with their work uninterrupted behind that great big fence. They hope to have the building finished by Xmas 2009 and we will be moving in, in Jan 2010. We will not know ourselves in the new school. All the main corridors will be much wider. It will feel much more spacious and bright. There will be a much bigger foyer and assembly hall, which will have a state of the art sound and lighting system. It will have its own control booth and there will be an extensive backstage area, including changing rooms, showers, toilets, dressing/make up rooms and prop stores. It will be possible to hear and see the performances in the assembly hall, in the backstage areas and in the music department, which will be just behind the assembly hall. Inside the hall will be extendable “bleacher seating”, which will provide up to 280 seats; to give people a better view of the stage. The music department will be massive in comparison to what we now have. It will have its own rehearsal area, recording studio, computer suite, rock room, orchestra room and six practice rooms. Upstairs, but close to the assembly hall, will be the Drama suite, which will contain a purpose built drama room with its own wrap around curtains, lighting and sound system. The canteen will be much more attractive and placed in the centre of the school. It will have plasma screens, vending machines, sound system and a grab and go counter, in addition to the main servery area. It will have a range of seating and will be a much more pleasant area to sit in and relax. The Home Economics department and Cache classroom will be placed next to our very own crèche. This crèche will have its own professional manager, who will be responsible for looking after up to 30 babies and young children. It is hoped that this facility will be used by pupils, staff and the local community. It will also be available to girls studying childcare courses who need work experience. For those who wish to pursue careers in “Hair and Beauty”, you will be delighted to hear that above the crèche we will have our very own professional standard, Hair and Beauty Salon. This facility will allow us to offer many more places to those girls who are interested in this area of work. It will allow a much more realistic salon experience to be created; it will look just like a professional hair and beauty salon. It is also hoped that this salon will be used in the evening by the local community. There are also a number of offices being built, which will allow social and health services to come into school and offer advice to those who desire it. Just along from the Salon will be the largest computer suite in Belfast. It will contain 63 PCs and will be of great benefit to all those girls who enjoy ICT. Next door to it, will be the library which will also have 10 PCs and just along from that will be the sixth form centre, which will also have PCs, a social area and study area. Nearby will be the Media Studies suite. This will contain three purpose built rooms, namely, a recording studio, PC classroom and editing room. Much more room than the present cupboard the Media Studies department occupies! The Art department will be right at the top of the school and will have fantastic views up towards Cavehill. It will have much more space than it has at the moment, eg it will have its own computer graphics room and sixth form study area. Those who enjoy Dance, Hockey, Athletics, Tennis, Badminton, Netball, Gymnastics and Trampolining will be delighted. In our new school we will have a ginormous, humongus, sports hall. It will be so massive that you will get lost in it. It will have space for six netball courts. Next door to that will be the gym, which will look titchy by comparison, Outside will be two “tartan” style hockey pitches, a 300 metre running track and 6 tennis courts. Inside will be a large fitness suite with a whole range of new fitness machines and also a dance theatre, with a mirrored wall, sprung wooden floor and floor to roof windows to provide natural light. I hope this gives some idea of what lies in store for us when we enter the new building, it will be brilliant and so much better than what we have at the moment. But perhaps shed a tear for our existing building. It may be creaking and groaning but it has served us well for 50 years and deserves some respect. Take a look around over the next few months; it will soon be no more. ]]> Year 10 Geography Trip tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.173 2008-11-05T11:48:37Z 2008-11-12T14:30:15Z

Visit to the ECOS Centre On Thursday 23rd October, pupils from 10M, 10O and 10D visited the ECOS Centre in Ballymena. There we learned about the environment and how it is being destroyed and what we can do to stop...

The Editor Visit to the ECOS Centre On Thursday 23rd October, pupils from 10M, 10O and 10D visited the ECOS Centre in Ballymena. There we learned about the environment and how it is being destroyed and what we can do to stop it. We had a guide who led us around the grounds of the centre, we were told about the area and we seen the recycling bank where local people can come to recycle their waste. We were accompanied by Mrs Chisim, Mrs McKeever, Miss Magee, Mrs Green and Mrs Clarke.

Year 10 Pupils getting their hands dirty!

After we toured the outside we visited the inside of the centre and we learnt about the different sections and how they help the environment. We learnt about the animals and how their habitats are being destroyed. If we keep living the way we are now, the animals will be extinct in a few years. It was a good day and we learnt lots of new things! We then finished the day with some retail therapy at Junction One before heading back to School. ]]> Football Update... tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.172 2008-11-04T11:46:14Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

Football Crazy On Friday 7th November the school football teams played in the Belfast regional competition at Queen’s PEC. The Girls Model entered 4 teams who achieved the following results: The Year 8 and 9 team won 3 and drew...

The Editor Football Crazy On Friday 7th November the school football teams played in the Belfast regional competition at Queen’s PEC. The Girls Model entered 4 teams who achieved the following results: The Year 8 and 9 team won 3 and drew 1 of their group games. They drew 0-0 with Dunmurray, beat St Joseph’s 2-0 with Courtney Hughes scoring both goals, and beat Lisnagarvey 2-0 and Hunterhouse 2-0 with captain Anthea Harbinson scoring all 4 of these goals. This was enough to see them win their group which qualified them for the semi-finals. Unfortunately they were defeated 1-0 by a strong Domican College team, although Courtney Hughes was unlucky to see her shot hit the post at the end of the match. However this is an excellent result for the team as this was their first experience of a competitive football tournament. Two Year 10 and 11 teams were entered into the tournament. One team, captained by Amy Stewart, beat Our Lady of Mercy 1-0, drew 1-1 with Dundonald High, and lost 1-0 to Our Lady and St Patricks. Jemma McCormack and Jeanette Duff were the goalscorers in these matches. The second team, captained by Annie Chapman won 2 matches against Strathern College (2-0) and Malone College (1-0) and drew 0-0 with Dominican College. This left them on equal points with the team from Dominican meaning a nerve-wracking penalty shootout was needed to decide who would go through to the semi-finals. Demi Harbinson and Rebecca Orr both bravely stepped up to take a penalty and both scored, so when Annie Chapman saved 2 of the Dominican penalties the Girls Model qualified for the semi-final. This saw them play the champions from last year Our Lady and St Patricks, and their experience unfortunately saw them defeat our girls 2-0. The Senior team played 4 matches in their group winning 2 and drawing 2. This qualified them for the semi-finals which saw them play St Joseph’s, and 2 goals from Hollie Johnston saw the Girls Model deservedly into the final. In the final they played Dominican College. Our girls played brilliantly and scored 2 excellent goals to win 2-0. This now qualifies them for the Northern Ireland finals in which they will play the winners from all the other group qualifying competitions. Top goalscorer was Katrina Montgomery who scored 6 goals in the 6 games, followed by Hollie Johnston who added another 3 of her own. Congratulations to the team of Heather Wilson, Sheena Mann, Jade Spence, Katrina Montgomery, Hollie Johnston, and Leah Fullerton who will now represent our school in the finals. Congratulations to all 4 teams – it is an excellent result to have 3 out of 4 teams reaching the semi-finals and all 4 teams winning at least 1 match each. Any pupils who want to try out for the school team for the next tournament should come along to football practice in the top gym after school every Friday. ]]> ICT Links tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.165 2008-11-04T10:43:44Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

Specialist School Update This year we are working with several Primary Schools. Mrs Rodgers and Miss Crymble will be working with pupils from Carr’s Glen, Glenwood, Holy Family, Ligoneil, Blackmountain, Ballysillan, Seaview, Malvern and Cliftonville Primary Schools throughout the course...

The Editor Specialist School Update This year we are working with several Primary Schools. Mrs Rodgers and Miss Crymble will be working with pupils from Carr’s Glen, Glenwood, Holy Family, Ligoneil, Blackmountain, Ballysillan, Seaview, Malvern and Cliftonville Primary Schools throughout the course of the year. They hope to complete tasks using Publisher, Powerpoint, Word and Spreadsheets. Mrs Stuart will be working with a group from the Shankill Women’s Centre who will be aiming to complete the ECDL course. Miss Crymble is also working with a group from the Blue Houses on the OCR Nationals. ]]> Positive Problem Solving tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.164 2008-11-03T21:28:48Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

Hi all, Vianna and School Counsellor (Janet Duncan) I said goodbye to Vianna Renaud, counselling student from Q.U.B who completed her Advanced Diploma in Counselling and has gone to work in England. I wish her all the best! Here is...

The Editor

Vianna and School Counsellor (Janet Duncan)

I said goodbye to Vianna Renaud, counselling student from Q.U.B who completed her Advanced Diploma in Counselling and has gone to work in England. I wish her all the best! Here is a simple model to help you look at your problems in a positive way.

5 Step Problem Solving Model

Step 1 Try to figure out what is really getting under your skin. Once you figure it out, don't waste your time freaking out on what could or may not happen in the future. The most important thing is to stay focused on right now. How are you feeling? What can be changed? Step 2 Look at all of your possible options. If you are having problems coming up with choices, talk to someone you trust like a family member, teacher, friend, or School Counsellor. Step 3 Set realistic goals for yourself and in doing so, make sure to plan ahead. Step 4 Focus on the positive! You've already achieved many things; don't think about the negative. If things haven't gone to plan, ask yourself what you have learned from the experience. Step 5 Try, try, try again! Pat yourself on the back, then try another time. Welcome to the wonderful world of growing up. ]]> Painting Playgrounds tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.163 2008-11-03T21:14:21Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

Mistaken Identity!! Year 13 pupils getting creative Springhill Primary School were having a wonderful day at their Hallowe’en disco when suddenly they spotted some 'trolls’ approaching over the hill. After closer inspection the Year 2 Teacher was able to...

The Editor Mistaken Identity!!

Year 13 pupils getting creative

Springhill Primary School were having a wonderful day at their Hallowe’en disco when suddenly they spotted some 'trolls’ approaching over the hill. After closer inspection the Year 2 Teacher was able to point out to the children that those creatures wearing boiler suits in the playground were in fact Year 13 girls from the Belfast Model School for Girls and not gruesome monsters after all. How on earth could they have made such a mistake?!! The troop of Year 13 artists, ably led by Mrs Chivero were sitting out in the cold, windy, wintry weather painting the school’s playground to brighten things up for the children. They had a great time and for some of the girls it was like coming home, returning to their old primary school to spruce things up a bit. Springhill was delighted to have the girls making such a colourful contribution to the playground and they would be delighted to have them back to paint some more. Mr Andrews the school principal commented, “The playground looks lovely and it was great to see some of our old girls back doing some work – painting that is!” Well done girls – keep up the good work! (I’m sure when the other primary schools in the area hear of your talents they will all be giving you a call.) ]]> Pony Club Trip tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.171 2008-11-03T15:35:15Z 2008-11-12T14:25:30Z

International Horse Show International Horse Show On 24th October the Pony Club enjoyed a trip to the Odyssey Arena to see the N. Ireland International Horse Show. The fun and entertainment included the Pony Club mounted games, world-class showjumping and...

The Editor International Horse Show

International Horse Show

On 24th October the Pony Club enjoyed a trip to the Odyssey Arena to see the N. Ireland International Horse Show. The fun and entertainment included the Pony Club mounted games, world-class showjumping and the Cossack display, an awe-inspiring performance by riders from the Ukraine.

The Pony Club

The highlight was a mesmerizing display by world famous Jean-Francois Pignon and his magical white horses. The stunning display showed the unique bond that he has with the horses. Despite being loose, the horses obeyed his every command and performed various stunts.

The Magical White Horse

In December the Pony Club will go to Lessans Riding School for a horse riding lesson. ]]> New Courses tag:www.clickgms.org,2008://1.153 2008-11-03T14:09:33Z 2008-11-12T14:35:36Z

New Courses at the Model iMedia Year 13 Imedia Students: Erin-Katie, Michael, Zoe Cuisick, Matthew Year 13 Imedia Students from GMS and BMS iMedia is a new enrichment course running at the Girls Model, this course is open to...

The Editor New Courses at the Model iMedia

Year 13 Imedia Students: Erin-Katie, Michael, Zoe Cuisick, Matthew

Year 13 Imedia Students from GMS and BMS

iMedia is a new enrichment course running at the Girls Model, this course is open to Year 13 girls as well as boys. This course lasts 2 years and is an OCR Level 2 which is equivalent to one GCSE. Pupils who are studying this course are learning digital graphics, web authoring. This course is run by David MacDermott (our Web Master) and it is designed to give the pupils a taster of working in the digital media industry. By Chelseyann Hamilton Moving Image

Moving Image Year 13 Students: Sarah-jayne, Joanne Wilson, Joanne Allen

The new A Level Moving Image is proving to be a huge hit. The school has invested a great deal of money in new film equipment and the girls are really engaging with the experience. As well as having to learn film making skills, culminating in production of a 3-5 minute short film, the girls also learn the theory of film by studying a range of films and analysing the camera techniques so they can apply these skills to their own films. As well as being good fun, it is fascinating to understand the language of film and it really does make you watch films and TV programmes with a fresh eye. We could have the new Steven Speilberg waiting to emerge! By Mrs Wilson Double Award Applied ICT

Double Award Applied ICT Pupils

This year for the first time we have started to offer a Double Award A-Level course in Applied ICT. It is the equivalent to 2 A – levels in ICT. We currently have 18 girls who are taking this new and exciting course. Ms Boyd, Miss Smith and Mrs Stuart all teach the course and although it is a challenge they all agree it is good fun. We all enjoy our classes and we want to help anyone with a love for ICT. We have all taught the girls in the Double Award class since year 11 and the enthusiasm and interest levels are very high. It is a real pleasure to teach this class. The girls are studying new units including Graphic Design, Website Design and Hardware and Software. We have enlisted the help of Mr Felim Clarke (our Head Technician) and Mr David Mac Dermott (our resident web master) to help us with the more technical sections. The two gentlemen are enjoying being in front of the class instead of behind the scenes. One girl from the class said “They are dead on, David is helping us learn Photoshop and Felim is helping us to build a stand alone computer. How cool is that.” We are hoping for great things for this course and we look forward to the next 2 years. By Miss Boyd Year 13 Survival Cookery Course

Year 13 pupils demonstrating their Cookery skills

This is offered to year 13 as part of the Enrichment Programme. The aim is to give the girls the chance to “brush up” on those cookery skills they left behind in year 10! The dishes they make are decided by “negotiation” between the teacher and the girls. The girls enjoy the chance to gain new cookery skills for when they leave home and have to cook for themselves. They also get to learn about basic hygiene when handling food. However, there is no “theory” to learn it, it’s all practical! One pupil said: "It is good as it improves your cooking skills and it you get the opportunity to new food!" By Mrs Chambers ]]>